Venezuela cheers for record nine World Series players

AP, CARACAS, Venezuela

The Venezuelans playing for the Tigers and the Giants came up through a well-organized system of youth leagues in the country, where major league scouts often identify standouts as soon as they hit their teens.

The big contingent from Venezuela will give young players a motivational boost, said Manuel Suniaga, who played decades ago as a teenager and now sells hot sandwiches from a stand in downtown Caracas. He said Scutaro’s hitting streak has been especially thrilling because it shows that a player who might not have Cabrera’s slugging numbers can still pull off a superior performance if he pours in enough spirit.

“The Giants are inspired. In the end, that can give them a better chance,” said Suniaga, adding that he will not miss a single game.